Interspecific tree named ‘Bella Zee’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features:
         1. Fruit with attractive dark red skin color.   2. Fruit with good flavor and eating quality.   3. Regular and productive bearer of medium to large size fruit.   4. Fruit being relatively uniform in size and maturity throughout the tree.   5. Fruit with an average Brix of 22.5°.   6. Tree with vigorous, semi-spreading.

Botanical designation: Interspecific Prunus species.

Variety denomination: ‘Bella Zee’.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

1. Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuingplant-breeding program including the organization and asexualreproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines,apricots, cherries, almonds and interspecifics are exemplary. It wasagainst this background of our activities that the present variety ofinterspecific tree was originated and asexually reproduced by us in ourexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

2. Prior Varieties

Among the existing varieties of plum and interspecific trees, which areknown to us, and mentioned herein, ‘Friar’ Plum (non-patented), ‘DappleFire’ Interspecific (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,409), the proprietaryinterspecific seedling selection ‘257LK9’ (non-patented), theproprietary plum seedling selections ‘27EB180’ (non-patented), ‘67GC150’(non-patented), ‘26GB440’ (non-patented), ‘117GD279’ (non-patented) andthe proprietary plumcot seedling ‘4G1180’ (non-patented).

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The present new and distinct variety of interspecific Prunus tree wasoriginated by us from multiple crossing combinations of Prunus salicina,Prunus armeniaca, Prunus persica var. nucipersica and Prunus persica. Itwas originated by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto,Calif. as a first generation cross between the proprietary interspecificseedling selection with the field identification number ‘257LK9’(non-patented) and ‘Dapple Fire’ Interspecific (U.S. Plant Pat. No.12,409). The seed parent ‘257LK9’ (non-patented) originated from crossesof the following varieties; ‘Friar’ Plum (non-patented), our proprietaryplum seedlings ‘27EB180’ (non-patented), ‘67GC150’ (non-patented),‘26GB440’ (non-patented), ‘117GD279’ (non-patented) and our proprietaryplumcot seedling ‘4G1180’ (non-patented). A large number of these firstgeneration crosses were planted and grown on their own root system.Under close and careful observation one seedling, which is the presentvariety, exhibited desirable tree and fruit characteristics and wasselected in 2002 for additional asexual propagation andcommercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of interspecifictree was by budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), asperformed by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto,Calif., and shows that reproductions run true to the original tree andall characteristics of the tree and its fruit are established andtransmitted through succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of interspecific tree[(Plum×Plumcot)×(Plum×Plum Nectarine))×(Peach×Plum Peach)] is of largesize, semi-spreading growth and a regular and productive bearer ofmedium to large size fruit with good flavor and eating quality. Thefruit is further characterized by having a very dark red skin color,being clingstone with firm flesh and an average Brix of 22.5°. Incomparison to its seed parent ‘257LK9’ interspecific (non-patented) thefruit of the new variety has sweeter flesh flavor and is approximately60 days later in maturity. In comparison to its pollen parent ‘DappleFire’ Interspecific (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,409) the new variety has adarker red skin color, yellow flesh instead of dark red, pubescent skincompared to glabrous skin and is approximately 63 days later inmaturity. In comparison to the commercial variety ‘Black Kat’Interspecific (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 13,134) the fruit of the new varietyhas a darker yellow flesh color, pubescent skin compared to glabrousskin, a more elongated shape and is approximately 3 days earlier inmaturity.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE VARIETY

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new interspecific variety. Theillustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, anexterior and sectional view of a single fruit divided in its sutureplane to show flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place.The photographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked(shipping ripe) from an 8 year old tree and the colors are as nearlytrue as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety ofinterspecific tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based onobservations of 8 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., withcolor in accordance with Munsell Book of Color.

-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—Large, usually pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in height and            width for economical harvesting of fruit. Varies with            different types of soil and cultural practices.        -   Vigor.—Vigorous, tree growth of approximately 1.5 to 2            meters the first growing season. Varies slightly with            cultural practices, soil type, fertility and climatic            conditions.        -   Form.—Semi-spreading, usually pruned to vase shape.        -   Branching habit.—Semi-spreading, crotch angle approximately            35°, increases with heavy crop load.        -   Productivity.—Productive, thinning and spacing of fruit            necessary for desired market size fruit. Fruit set varies            with climatic conditions during bloom time.        -   Bearer.—Regular, adequate fruit set 6 consecutive years. No            alternate bearing observed.        -   Fertility.—Self-sterile, pollinator required.        -   Density.—Medium dense, usually pruned to vase shape to            increase sunlight to center of tree to enhance fruit color            and health of fruit spurs.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of            California. Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Winter            chilling requirement approximately 1000 hours at or below            45° F.-   Trunk:    -   -   Size.—Large, average circumference 48.3 cm at 25.4 cm above            ground on a 8 year old tree.        -   Stocky.—Medium stocky.        -   Texture.—Medium shaggy, roughness increases with age.        -   Color.—Varies from 10YR 4/2 to 10YR 2/2.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 16.5 cm at 1.2 meters            above ground. Crotch angle approximately 35°, increases with            heavy crop load.        -   Surface texture.—New growth relatively smooth. Mature growth            medium rough, roughness increases with age.        -   Lenticels.—Size — medium. Average length 4.0 mm. Average            width 1.9 mm. Average number 30 in a 25.8 sq cm surface of            branch. Color varies from 7.5YR 5/8 to 7.5YR 4/8.        -   Color.—New growth varies from 2.5GY 5/6 to 2.5GY 5/8. Old            growth varies from 10YR 3/4 to 10YR 3/2, varies with age of            growth.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Medium to large. Average length 101.6 mm. Average            width 48.0 mm.        -   Form.—Oblanceolate.        -   Apex.—Acuminate.        -   Base.—Cuneate.        -   Margin.—Doubly serrate.        -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slightly            indented over midrib and leaf veins. Lower surface            relatively smooth, except for small ridges created by midrib            and pinnate venation. Both surfaces glabrous.        -   Petiole.—Average length 15.3 mm. Average width 1.8 mm.            Longitudinally grooved. Surface — glabrous. Color varies            from 2.5GY 6/6 to 5R 3/8.        -   Glands.—Type — globose. Size — small. Average length 0.7 mm.            Average diameter 0.4 mm. Number varies from 2 to 4, average            number 3. Located primarily on base of leaf blade and upper            portion of petiole. Color — 2.5GY 5/8.        -   Stipules.—Average number 2. Average length 7.6 mm. Margin —            doubly serrate. Color 5GY 5/10.        -   Color.—Upper surface varies from 5GY 2/2 to 7.5GY 2/2. Lower            surface varies from 2.5GY 3/2 to 5GY 3/4. Midvein color            varies from 10Y 6/4 to 2.5GY 6/2.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Size.—Small to medium. Average length 9.0 mm. Average            diameter 3.6 mm.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy with respect to California winters.        -   Form.—Plump, conical, becomes elongated as bud matures.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 8.0 mm. Average width 1.0 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 5GY 6/6. Surface — glabrous.        -   Color.—N 9.5/(white) with 2.5R 5/6 on some petal edges.        -   Number of buds per spur.—Average number 5, varies from 4 to            7.-   Flowers:    -   -   Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Mar. 3, 2011. Date of            Petal Fall Mar. 16, 2011, varies slightly with climatic            conditions.        -   Size.—Medium. Average height 11.7 mm. Average diameter 17.1            mm.        -   Petals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to sepals. Size —            medium. Average length 10.6 mm. Average width 6.0 mm. Form —            elliptical. Margin — entire. Color — N 9.5/(white) with 2.5R            8/2 on some petal edges, changes with age of flower. Both            surfaces glabrous.        -   Sepals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to petals. Size —            small. Average length 2.2 mm. Average width 2.1 mm. Form —            triangular. Margin — entire. Both surfaces glabrous. Color —            upper surface varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 5GY 5/6. Lower            surface varies from 5GY 6/6 to 5GY 6/8.        -   Stamens.—Average number per flower 34. Average filament            length 8.1 mm. Filament color N 9.5/(white). Anther color            10R 4/12 with 5Y 7/10.        -   Pollen.—Self sterile, pollinator required. Color varies from            5Y 7/10 to 5Y 7/12.        -   Pistil.—Normally 1. Surface pubescent. Average length            9.6 mm. Stigma height even with anthers. Color varies from            10Y 8/4 to 10Y 8/6.        -   Fragrance.—Heavy aroma.        -   Color.—N 9.5/(white) with 2.5R 8/2 on some petals outer            edges.        -   Number flowers per flower bud.—Average number — 2, varies            from 1 to 3.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 9.6 mm. Average width 1.0 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 5/8 to 5GY 5/8. Surface — glabrous.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe.        -   Date of first picking.—Sep. 4, 2011.        -   Date of last picking.—Sep. 13, 2011, varies slightly with            climatic conditions.        -   Size.—Medium to large. Average diameter axially 64.1 mm.            Average transversely in suture plane 58.8 mm. Average weight            139.2 grams, varies slightly with fertility of the soil,            amount of thinning and climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Globose to slightly elongated.        -   Suture.—Nearly smooth, some fruit with slight suture.            Extends from base to apex.        -   Ventral surface.—Nearly smooth, very slightly lipped.        -   Apex.—Varies from slightly rounded to flat.        -   Base.—Flat, varies from flat to slightly rounded.        -   Stem cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane.            Average depth 1.4 mm. Average diameter 2.0 mm.-   Stem:    -   -   Size.—Medium to large. Average length 16.0 mm. Average            diameter 1.8 mm.        -   Color.—Varies from 10Y 6/6 to 2.5GY 7/6.-   Flesh:    -   -   Ripens.—Evenly.        -   Texture.—Firm, meaty.        -   Fibers.—Few, small, tender.        -   Firmness.—Firm, comparable to other commercial varieties.        -   Aroma.—Slight.        -   Amydgalin.—Undetected.        -   Eating quality.—Good.        -   Flavor.—Good, good balance between acid and sugar.        -   Juice.—Heavy amount, enhances flavor.        -   Brix.—Average Brix 22.5°, varies slightly with amount of            fruit per tree and climatic conditions.        -   Color.—Varies from 7.5YR 5/8 to 7.5YR 6/8.        -   Pit cavity.—Average length 27.0 mm. Average width 20.2 mm.            Average depth 5.0 mm. Color varies from 10R 4/10 to 7.5R            4/10.-   Skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface.—Smooth.        -   Pubescence.—Moderate amount, very short.        -   Tendency to crack.—None.        -   Color.—Ground color varies from 10YR 6/6 to 2.5Y 6/4.            Overspread with 2.5R 2/4 to 5R 2/2. Some fruit with small            randomly spaced areas of ground color exposed to give a            slight speckled pattern to some skin surface area.        -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to flesh.        -   Astringency.—None.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Clingstone.        -   Size.—Medium to large. Average length 26.2 mm. Average width            19.6 mm. Average thickness 9.1 mm.        -   Form.—Ovoid.        -   Base.—Flat.        -   Apex.—Slightly pointed. Average length 1.3 mm.        -   Surface.—Slightly pitted throughout.        -   Sides.—Unequal, one side extending slightly further from            suture plane.        -   Ridges.—A small, narrow ridge on each side of suture.        -   Tendency to split.—None.        -   Color.—Varies from 2.5YR 3/4 to 7.5YR 4/8 when dry.-   Kernel:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length 15.9 mm. Average width 11.4 mm.            Average depth 4.7 mm.        -   Form.—Ovate.        -   Taste.—Bitter.        -   Viability.—Viable, complete embryo development.        -   Skin color.—Varies from 7.5YR 4/6 to 7.5YR 4/8.-   Use: Dessert.    -   -   Market.—Local and long distance.-   Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage 2 weeks at 38° to    42° F. without shriveling, internal breakdown of flesh or    appreciable loss of eating quality.-   Shipping quality: Good, showed minimal skin scarring or bruising    during picking, packing and shipping trials.-   Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing    for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been    designed. Under close observation during planting, growing, and    harvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions    near Modesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance    or susceptibility has been observed. Any variety or selection    observed during indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal    fungus, bacterial, virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and    eliminated from our breeding program.

The present new variety of interspecific tree, its flowers, foliage andfruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to climate, soilconditions and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown.The present description is that of the variety grown under theecological conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of interspecifictree, substantially as illustrated and described.